West Village Israeli Spot Wins Coveted Michelin Star

WEST VILLAGE, NY — A West Village Israeli restaurant was newly awarded a Michelin Star on Tuesday, the elite dining association announced.

Shmoné, at 61 West Eighth St., was awarded one Michelin Star, just 18 months after opening.

That's just one of the 12 New York City eateries awarded new stars this week, making them all members of an extremely tight club.

Owned and operated by Israeli chef and restaurateur Eyal Shani, Shmoné was described as an "intimate showcase for his particular style of Levantine cooking, emphasizing seasonal ingredients," the New York Times wrote at the time of its opening.

That "particular style" is apparently a delicious one, says the Michelin Guide, writing that the 50-seat eatery "punches way above its weight with dazzling neo-Levantine cuisine."

"Many kitchens boast about using fresh ingredients," reads the esteemed guide's writeup, "but Shmoné takes that philosophy to another level, creating a new menu daily."

Standouts of note include "thin slices of hamachi or flatiron Wagyu slid off a skewer tableside and boasting smoky tenderness," and a dessert of Chantilly cream topped with grilled figs.

"The flavors are impressively dialed in and make for a focused meal that is surprisingly approachable and humble," write the Michelin Guide.

Shmoné first opened in May 2022 in a space formerly occupied by another acclaimed West Village eatery, Japanese restaurant Neta.

To read about all of the New York City restaurants honored by the Michelin Guide this year, click here.